All about Elche, general & practical information

Getting to know Elche and its history

Did you know that…

• the people of Elche are also called“Ilicitanos” or“Ilicitanas.

• the date palm orchard in Elche was recognized as a World Heritage Site (UNESCO) in 2000;

• that the El Misteri d’Elx in Elche was also recognized as an Intangible World Heritage Site (UNSECO) in 2001;

• Elche is one of Spain’ s leading shoe producers. About 50% of all Spanish shoes are produced in Elche;

• Elche is the third-largest city in the province of Valencia.

The history in brief

• Prehistory/Old: The city’s roots are in the Neolithic period, after which the area was inhabited by the Iberians. The city then flourished under the Romans, who called it “Ilici.” It was already known at this time for the production of olive oil;

• Moorish Period (8th – 13th centuries): After its conquest in the 8th century by the Moors, the city flourished under the name “Elx.” It developed into an important center for trade and agriculture, and the foundations of today’s vast Palm Garden were laid;

• Christian Reconquest (13th century): In 1265, Elche was recaptured by Christian King Jaime I of Aragon. The city then began a new chapter as part of the Christian kingdom, further expanding the Garden of Palms;

• Modern Times: the famous Palm Garden (Palmeral de Elche) is today recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In modern times, Elche has developed into a vibrant city, known worldwide for its shoe industry.

The name ‘Elche’

The name “Elche” is derived from the ancient Iberian word“Helike” or“Illici” which is said to refer to a river that flowed through the area in ancient times. Today, this river is known as the Vinalopó River.

The origin of the name “Elche” is also related to the region’s Moorish history. During the Moorish rule in Spain, which lasted from the 8th to the 13th century, the city was known as“Illa” or“Elx” in Arabic.

After the reconquest(Reconquista) of the area by the Christian kings, the city was gradually returned to Catholic influence and the name“Elx” was changed to“Elche” in Spanish.

The economy & tourism in Dénia

Local employment

Although Elche’s economy has traditionally been deeply rooted in the shoe industry, modern employment rests on a much broader foundation. Elche is the third-largest city in the Valencia region and serves as a vital economic hub.

The Elche Parque Empresarial business park is one of the most important in Spain and hosts international headquarters and logistics centers, generating thousands of jobs throughout the year in business services, engineering and commerce.

In addition, the presence of the University(UMH) and an extensive network of healthcare institutions plays a crucial role in local stability. As a regional center for the wider area, Elche attracts thousands of workers daily in the public and healthcare sectors.

Moreover, the proximity of the Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport reinforces the city’s position as a logistics hub, creating a constant demand for personnel in the transportation and international services sectors.

The development of the tourism industry

Elche’s policy focuses on a unique model where the protection of its triple UNESCO World Heritage Site goes hand in hand with modern urban development. Irene Ruiz Nortes, Alderman for Tourism and Culture, emphasizes the city’s direction:

“We are committed to tourism that transforms Elche into a pole of attraction, using our cultural identity as an engine for economic growth and innovation.”

The focus is currently on maintaining the designation of Smart Tourist Destination. Significant investments are being made in digitizing the visitor experience and improving the accessibility of the Palmeral (palm forest).

In addition, the municipality actively promotes event tourism and the business market, with the future Congress Palace and historical celebrations such as the Misteri d’Elx as central attractions. This strategy ensures that Elche is not dependent on the beach season, but remains a vital cultural and business destination year-round.

The geography & neighborhoods in Elche

The location of Elche

Elche is a city in Alicante province and the capital of the Baix Vinalopó region. The city is located about 20 kilometers southwest of Alicante and about 15 kilometers inland from the coast. The Vinalopó River flows through the center and divides the city into two parts.

The area is known worldwide for the Elche Palm Gardens, a vast palm grove that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With more than 200,000 palm trees, this is a green oasis in the region’s arid landscape.

Elche’s accessibility

Due to its central location in the Valencia region, Elche has excellent access to the A-7 highway and the main N-340 road. The Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández International Airport is only 10 kilometers away, representing about 20 minutes travel time by car. This convenient position makes the city a logical starting point for both business travelers and tourists in the province.

For travelers on public transportation, the city offers several quick connections, including the regular Cercanías line between Alicante and Murcia. There are also daily buses that connect the center directly to the airport and surrounding towns. Moreover, thanks to the regional rail connection, you can reach the heart of Alicante in about 30 minutes, providing an efficient connection to the regional network.

The map of Elche

The neighborhoods in Elche

Elche is divided into several neighborhoods, each with its own unique characteristics and atmosphere. Some of the main neighborhoods of Elche are:

• El Raval: Located in the historic center of Elche, El Raval is a picturesque neighborhood with narrow streets, old buildings and cozy squares. Here you will find many historical sites, such as the Basilica of Santa María and Glorieta Square;

• Carrús: Carrús is a lively neighborhood in northern Elche. It is known for its markets, parks and wide streets. Here you will also find the Carrús train station;

• Altabix: a quiet residential neighborhood in the northwest of Elche. It has many green spaces and parks, as well as some schools and sports facilities;

• Sector V: Located on the western edge of Elche, Sector V is mainly a residential area with many modern apartment buildings and villas;

• Toscar: This neighborhood is located in the southwest of Elche and has several amenities, including schools, supermarkets and sports facilities;

• Ciudad Jardín: A neighborhood in the east of Elche, Ciudad Jardín is a green area with many gardens and parks. It also has a hospital and several medical facilities;

• Torrellano: Located south of Elche, Torrellano is an important industrial area and houses the Alicante International Airport.

The climate & nature in Elche

A Mediterranean climate

Elche’s climate is ideal for the growth of palm trees, which give the city its unique character. Summers are long and dry, with plenty of sunshine. This provides an ideal environment for all kinds of plants and animals. Winters are mild and pleasant, with little rain.

The combination of sun, warmth and fertile soil makes Elche one of the most important agricultural areas in Spain. Elche’s palm grove is not only a beautiful sight, but also plays an important role in regulating the local climate.

The weather, the average temperature

Below is a table of average temperatures in Elche by month:

Nature around Elche

Nature around Elche is dominated by the unique Garden of Palms and the vast waterscapes:

• El Hondo Natural Park: about 15km northeast of Elche lies this important wetland. Consisting of lagoons and canals, the area is a crucial habitat for a rich birdlife, including the rare marsh duck;

• Palmeral de Elche: this is Elche’s most famous natural area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The garden consists of more than 70,000 palm trees, where visitors can walk and admire the Huerto del Cura (a botanical garden with a great diversity of plants);

• The salt flats in Santa Pola, Parque Natural Salinas de Santa Pola: (about 20km away) This natural park borders the municipal area of Elche and includes extensive salt flats and salt lakes. It is especially famous as home to large colonies of flamingos and other water birds;

• Sierra de Elche: this mountain range and protected landscape is located in the hinterland of the city. It offers beautiful hiking trails through pine forests and Mediterranean scrub, with panoramic views of the city and coast.

Transportation & your stay in Elche

By plane to Elche

Do you want to go on vacation to Elche? Then the nearest airport is Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández (ALC). The airport is practically next to the city; from the terminal it is only 20 kilometers to the city center, which amounts to a drive of about 20 minutes.

From the Netherlands and Belgium, companies such as Transavia, KLM, Vueling, Ryanair and TUI fly fly directly to Alicante, making the destination easily accessible.

Vacations to Elche

Elche is a historic city best known for its vast palm groves and cultural wealth. It offers a surprising mix for various types of vacations:

• Cultural and historical vacations: with two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Palmeral (the largest palm grove in Europe) and the Misteri d’Elx (a sacred mystery play) – Elche is the place for lovers of unique culture and deeply rooted traditions;

• Nature and tranquility vacations: the city is surrounded by lush gardens such as the Huerto del Cura, where you can stroll among cacti and rare palms. The tranquility and shade of the palm trees offer an oasis of calm;

• Beach vacations: the coastline of Elche, located a few kilometers from the city center, is characterized by pristine sandy beaches and dune areas, such as Arenales del Sol and La Marina. These beaches are ideal for those seeking space and natural beauty;

• Shopping and city vacations: as one of the larger cities in the region, Elche offers a lively city center with numerous stores, a thriving shoe industry and excellent restaurants where you can discover the local gastronomy.

You can choose a package tour from a tour operator or arrange your own flight (via the nearby Alicante airport) and accommodation separately.

Vacation accommodation in Elche

• Hotels: Elche has a diverse selection, from modern city hotels in the heart of downtown to unique boutique hotels located directly in or on the edge of palm groves, such as the famous Huerto del Cura;

• Apartments: a popular choice for those who want to cook for themselves. You’ll find apartments in the lively city center, but also a large selection on the coast in associated resorts such as Arenales del Sol, perfect for a beach vacation;

• Vacation homes and fincas: for more peace and quiet, you can go to the rural area (the campo) around the city. Here you will find traditional fincas and mansions that have been converted into luxury vacation rentals, almost always with their own swimming pool.

Many accommodations in the city center are within walking distance of the main attractions, such as the palm grove, the basilica and the many stores and restaurants.

The gastronomy of Elche

Culinary venues

The area around Elche offers several places to discover the local cuisine:

• Mercado Central: In this market hall you can buy local specialties and fresh local produce;

• Plaça de Baix: This central square is the place for a terrace visit overlooking the City Hall;

• Huerto del Cura: Around this famous garden are restaurants that serve dishes made with dates and pomegranates;

• El Raval: This historic district is home to many traditional eateries and informal bars.

Flavor profiles and specialties

The menus in Elche feature a number of unique local dishes:

• Arroz con Costra: This is the city’s most famous rice dish and has a distinctive crust of scrambled egg;

• Products from the Palmeral: The date is an important ingredient found both fresh and processed in dishes;

• Mollar de Elche: this local pomegranate is known for its sweet taste and soft seed;

• Tortada de Elche: a traditional almond cake often served as dessert;

• Cantueso: a local liqueur made from herbs from the surrounding mountains.

Gastronomic peculiarities

Various customs and events highlight the city’s culinary traditions:

• Nit de l’Albà: during this popular festival in August, people traditionally eat watermelon after the spectacular fireworks;

• Date harvest: during the winter months, many activities center on the fresh harvest from the palm gardens;

• Tapas Routes: the city holds regular events where you taste small local snacks at different bars.

Restaurants in Elche

In Elche you will find a diverse range of restaurants that focus on traditional Mediterranean cuisine and local gastronomy. Most eateries are located in the historic downtown area and around the palm gardens.

The facilities in Elche

Supermarkets in Elche

For daily shopping and local products, you will find several options scattered throughout the city in Elche:

• Large supermarkets: within shopping centers such as L’Aljub and Altabix, large supermarkets are located for a wide range of offerings;

• Hipercor: this supermarket is located in the building of El Corte Inglés and is known for a wide range of quality foods;

• Local markets: in addition to supermarkets, the city offers several places where you can buy fresh local produce and food directly from the source.

Parking in Elche

Free parking:

• Street parking:
  • C/ Miguel Hernández: In the Centro neighborhood, near the Plaza de Elche;
  • Av. de las Cortes Valencianas: Along the avenida in the El Toscar neighborhood;
  • C/ Pintor Elías Tormo: In the Carrús neighborhood, near the Parque Municipal.

• Parking:
  • Parking Plaza de Toros: Next to the Plaza de Toros in the center;
  • Parking Estación de Autobuses: At the bus station in the El Toscar neighborhood;
  • Parking Parque Juan XXIII: In the El Raval neighborhood, near the park.

Paid Parking:

• Blue zones:
  • Entire center of Elche, including the neighborhoods of Centro, El Toscar, Carrús and Altabix;
  • C/ Corredera: Busy downtown shopping street;
  • Paseo de las Estrellas: Promenade in the El Toscar neighborhood.

• Parking garages:
  • Parking El Corte Inglés: Underground parking garage under El Corte Inglés in the center;
  • Parking C.C. L’Aljub: At L’Aljub shopping center in the southeast of the city;
  • Parking Mercado Central: Parking garage under downtown Mercado Central.

• Underground parking:
  • Hotel NH Alicante: Underground parking at the hotel in the city center;
  • Centro Comercial Vistamar: Underground parking lot at the shopping center in the Vistamar district;
  • Residencial El Palmeral: Underground parking at the residential complex in the El Raval neighborhood.

Tourist office in Elche

The Elche tourist office is centrally located near the entrance to the Garden of Palms:

• Google Maps location
• Telephone number: +34 966 658 196
• Website: visitelche.com
• Opening hours:
  • Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m;
  • Saturday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm;
  • Sunday: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

All the tips for your visit to Elche

Additional information about Elche

Question & answer (FAQ)

Handy links

• Visit Elche (Tourist information)
• Elche Wikipedia (General information)
• Spain.info Elche (Tourist information)

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